Wärtsilä engines selected for Brazilian tugs

Wärtsilä 20 engines will power two new inland waterway pusher tugs being built by Estaleiro Rio Maguari for LHG Mining in Brazil. (Photo: Wärtsilä Corporation)

Wärtsilä announced it has been contracted to supply engines for two new inland waterway pusher tugs being built by Brazilian shipyard Estaleiro Rio Maguari. The vessels will support the river logistics operations of LHG Mining on the Paraguay-Paraná waterway, one of South America’s most important inland transport corridors. They will be used to transport iron ore from the Corumbá region as part of a wider export logistics network.

The tugs will each be powered by three Wärtsilä fuel flexible marine engines, which are designed to offer high fuel efficiency and the ability to operate on a range of fuels, including biodiesel blends. The engines’ optimized power-to-weight and power-to-space ratio plus flexible engine support arrangements enable use in a range of vessel applications. 

The new order follows an earlier contract from 2025 covering the same engines for four similar vessels.

“As we continue to expand our inland logistics fleet, reliability, efficiency and operational consistency remain important considerations,” said Darlan Carvalho, president, LHG Mining. “The Wärtsilä 20 engine platform has proven well suited to our application, and this follow-on order allows us to build upon an established concept while supporting the long-term development of our transport operations.”

“This repeat order reflects the confidence placed in Wärtsilä’s technology, local expertise and long-term support capabilities, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with LHG Mining and Estaleiro Rio Maguari on this important project,” said Mário Barbosa, general manager – Sales Latin America, Wärtsilä Marine.

The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2026 with equipment scheduled for delivery during 2027. The contract’s scope includes tools and spare parts, a specific fuel oil consumption guarantee, commissioning support and an extended warranty.